First ever Melb Cup for Jessica Gomes

At her first Melbourne Cup, Perth born model Jessica Gomes admits she's just coming to terms with how significant the event is in Australia.

"This is huge,' she told AAP on Tuesday.

"People really come out and get dressed up."

Wearing a white-sleeved short dress and a black boater hat, the model was enjoying the day in the privacy the Lexus marquee which also hosted the likes of Shaynna Blaze, Adriano Zumbo and Matt Preston.

The Melbourne Cup was also a bit of a homecoming for Gomes, who has lived in the US for 10 years pursing her modelling career and most recently acting.

"I've just shot two films in LA that are coming out next year," she said.

Gomes was happy to praise Hollywood saying she loved working with "incredible artist and storytellers".

It also might help that the 32-year-old is rumoured to be dating Australian actor and Twilight star Xavier Samuel.

While LA is home, Gomes will stay in Australia over the next couple of months to shoot the autumn winter collection for David Jones and their Christmas campaign.